
Book_. 2: 



'T 5~P 5-^ 



I h ; - e h 

liV I 

CATALOGUE 

OF y^^ivv^ p^, 
PORTRAITS AND FURNITURE 



INDEPENDENCE HALL. 

;5>i 



WITH A 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF EACH OF THE SIGNERS 
OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED FOR THE USE OF VISITORS. 

1878. 



'!\ 



^'N>V 






I II - 



CATALOGUE 



OP 



PDRimilTS AND FURNITURE IN INDEPENDENCE RIILL 



The Presiding Officer^ s Chair occupied by John Han- 
cock as President of the Independence Congress. 

The Table on which the Declaration of Independence 
received the signatures of the members. 

Thirteen Chairs used by members of the Congress, and 
presented by various patriotic owners or custodians, as 
marked. 

The Original Chandelier used for evening sessions. 

These are genuine relics of interest beyond all chance of 
error. 

Statue of Washington — life size, in wood — by AVilliam 
Rush, Sculptor, of Philadelphia. 

Two Sevres Vases, presented by the French Government 
to the City of Philadelphia, July 4, 1876. 

Portrait of Washington in Mosaic. — "A Gift to the City 
of Philadelphia, as Souvenir of the first Centennial of the 
Independence of the United States of America, declared 
in that city July 4, 1776." Presented by the Artist L. A. 
Gallandt, of the City of Rome, Italy. 

The array of portraits begins at the eastern end of the 
Hall, as named and numbered. 

1. John Hancock, 

President of Congress of 1776. Peale. 



2. Richard Henry Lee, 

Mover of the Resolutions for Independence. 

Peale. 

3. Benjamin Harrison, 

Chairman of Committee of the Whole, to consider 
the question of Independence. 

Lambdin, after Trumbull. 

4. Thomas Jefferson, 

Chairman of Committee to draft the Declaration 
of Independence. Peale. 

5. Roger Sherman, 

Member of Committee to draft, &c. Presented by 
his descendant William M. Evarts. 

Hicks, after Earle. 

6. John Adams, 

Member of Committee to draft, &c. Peale. 

7. Samuel Adams, 

The Pioneer of the Revolution. Presented by Mrs. 
George A. Simmons and others, descendants. 

Onthank, after Copley. 

8. Benjamin Franklin, 

Member of Committee to draft, &c. 

Peale, after Martin. 

9. John Dickinson, 

The great advocate of constitutional rights and 
member of Congress, July, 1776, from Pennsyl- 
vania. Peale. 

10. Robert Morris, 

The great financier of the Revolution and member 
of Congress, July, 1776, from Pennsylvania. 



11. Thomas McKean, 

Advocate of Independence and member of Con- 
gress, July, 1776, from Delaware. Peale. 

12. Samuel Chase, 

Advocate of Independence and member of Con- 
gress, July, 1776, from Maryland. Peale. 

13. GeoPvGe Wythe, 

Advocate of Independence and member of Con- 
gress, July, 1776, from Virginia. 

14. Joseph Hewes, 

Member of Congress, July, 1776, from North 
Carolina. 

15. JosiAH Bartlett, 

Member of Congress of Julj^, 1776, from New 
Hampshire. Presented by his descendants. 

16. Charles Thomson, 

Secretary of Congress of 1776. Peale. 

17. Thomas Hey WARD, Jr., 

Member of Congress, July, 1776, from South Caro- 
lina. Presented by Nathaniel Hey ward. 

Frazer, after . 

18. Elbridge Gerry, 

Great advocate of Independence, member of Con- 
gress, July, 1776, from Massachusetts. 

19. Kobert R. Livingston, 

Member of Committee to draft Declaration of In- 
dependence. Presented by Clermont Livingston 
and others, descendants. Pratt, after Sttiart. 



6 

20. William Whipple, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from New Hamp- 
shire. 

21. Egbert Treat Paine, 

• '^ Member of Congress of 1776, from Massachusetts. 

22. Stephen Hopkins, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Rhode Island. 

Lambdin, after Trumbull. 

23. William Ellery, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Rhode Island. 

Lambdin, after Trumbtdl. 

24. Samuel Huntington, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Connecticut. 

Peale. 

25. William Williams, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Connecticut. 

Sawyer, after Trumbull. 

26. Oliver AYglcgtt, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Connecticut. 

Lambdin, after Trumbull. 

27. William Floyd, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from New York. 

Henry, after Trumbull. 

28. Philip Livingston, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from New York. 

Peale. 

29. Francis Lewis (frame vacant). 

Member of Congress of 1776, from New York. 

30. Lewis Morris, 

Member of Congress of 1776, of New York. Pre- 
sented by his descendant, Harry G. Morris 

Flagg, after Trumbull. 



31. KiCHARD Stockton, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from New Jersey. 

Conarroe, after . 

32. John Witherspoon, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from New Jersey. 

83. Francis Hopkinson, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from New Jersey. 

Peale. 

34. Abraham Clark, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from New Jersey. 

Lamhdin, after Trumbull. 

35. Benjamin Rush, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Pennsylvania. 

Peale. 

36. James Wilson, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Pennsylvania. 

Wharton, after Jas. Peale. 

37. George Ross, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Pennsylvania. 

Wharton, after West. 

38. George Clymer, 

Member of Congress, of 1776, from Pennsylvania. 

Marchant, after . 

39. George Read, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Delaware. 

Sully, after Pine. 

40. Thomas Stone, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Maryland. Pre- 
sented by the St^|ip of Maryland. 

^:^r " Mayer, after Peale. 

41. William Paca, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Maryland. Pre- 
sented by the State of Maryland. 

Mayer, after Peale, 



8 

42. Charles Carroll, of Carrol Iton, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Maryland. 

Peale. 

43. Thomas Nelson, Jr., 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Virginia. 

44. Francis Lightfoot Lee (frame vacant). 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Virginia. 

45. William Hooper, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from North Carolina. 

Lambdin, after Trumbull. 

46. Edward Rutledge, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from South Carolina. 
Presented by Joshua Francis Fisher. 

Wharton, after Trumbull. 

47. Thomas Lynch, Jr., 

Member of Congress of 1776, from South Carolina. 

48. Arthur Middleton, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from South Carolina. 
Presented by the artist. Whartoii, after West. 

49 George Walton, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Georgia. 

Waugh, after Jas. Peale. 

50. Thomas Johnson, 

Member of Congress of 1776, from Maryland. Pre- 
sented by the State of Maryland. 

Mayer, after Peale. 

51. Rev. William White, Chaplain to Congress. 

Peale. 



9 

Along the surbase are arranged portraits of the Presi- 
dents of the Continental Congress, all painted by Peale. 

Peyton Randolph, Elias Boudinot, 

Henry Laurens, Arthur St. Clair, 

' John Hanson, Thomas Mifflin, 
John Jay, 

While frames are reserved for Henry Middleton, or 
Cyrus Griffin. 

60. The Commander-in-Chief. An original portrait by 

James Peale. Above the doorway. 
Also portraits of the following commanders in the 
army and navy, in the order of their commission in the 
United States service. 

61. General Artemas Ward (over doorway). 

62. General Philip Schuyler (frame vacant). 

63. General Israel Putnam (frame vacant). 

64. General Richard Montgomery. 

65. General Horatio Gates. 
65^. John Sullivan. 

QfQ. General Nathan ael Greene. 

67. General William Alexander (Lord Stirling). 

68. General Benjamin Lincoln. 

69. Marquis de Lafayette. 

70. Baron de Kalb. 

71. Baron Steuben. 

72. General William Smallwood. 

73. General L. De Begue Portail. 

74. General Henry Knox. 

75. General Christopher Gadsden. 
76.. General Lachlan Mcintosh. 

77. General Anthony Wayne (frame vacant). 

78. General James Mitchell Varnum. 
78 J. Peter Muhlenberg. 

a2 



110 

79. General George Clinton (frame vacant). 

80. Genera] Joseph Reed. 

81. General James Wilkinson. 

82. General Daniel Morgan. 

83. General Otho Holland Williams. 

84. General Joseph Warren (Provincial). 

85. General Thomas Sumter (Provincial). 

86. Colonel John Eager Howard. 

87. Colonel William A. Washington. 

88. Colonel Harry Lee. 

89. Comte De Rochambeau. 

90. Commodore John Paul Jones (over doorway). 

91. Commodore Joshua Barney. 

92. Commodore Nicholas Biddle. 

93. Commodore John Barry (frame vacant). 

Also in the southwest corner, not numbered, (beneath t 
portrait of Bishop White,) 

Thomas Willing, Esq., President of the first Bank of the 
United States. 

Dr. William Shippen, one of the founders of the Medical 
Department of the University of Pennsylvania. 

George Turner, Esq., Judge of the United States Court, 
appointed by President Washington ; and a member of the 
Society of the Cincinnati. 



BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILES 



OF THE 



SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 



JOHN HANCOCK 

Was born in Quincj, Massachusetts, 1737. At the age of seven 
years he was left an orphan, and ten years later entered the service 
of his uncle, an opulent Boston merchant, from whom he after- 
wards inherited a large fortune. In 1760 visited England, on a 
business mission, and while there witnessed the coronation of the 
Sovereign who a few years later offered a reward for his head. 
Soon after his return he exchanged mercantile for political life, 
and from that time forward enjoyed, uninterruptedly, the highest 
honors within the gift of the people. He was chosen President of 
the Continental Congress, and his bold signature alone accom- 
panied the first publication of the Declaration of Independence. 
John Hancock was the first man ever elected Governor of a free 
PEOPLE, by their voluntary suffrage, and discharged all the duties 
which devolved upon him, for many successive terms, with distin- 
guished ability. While in Congress he was among its most influ- 
ential members, and continued a popular leader up to the time of 
his death, October 8, 1793. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON 

— THE AUTHOR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE — WaS 

born at Shadwell, Virginia April 13, 1743. His father died when 
he was but fourteen years of age, leaving him inheritor of Monti- 
cello, the paternal estate. We pass over his early life, and until 1774, 
at which time the powerful influence of his pen was everywhere 
felt, and he was justly regarded as the champion of American 



12 

Freedom. The limits of our sketch will not allow us to mention 
the many distinguished services of his public life, which termin- 
ated in 1808, with his second presidential term of office. Having 
lived to witness the fiftieth anniversary of his country's freedom 
and happiness — and which was the full realization of his last 
earthly wish — he calmly " resigned his soul to his God, and his 
child to his country," on the morning of July 4, 1826, in the 
eighty-fourth year of his age. 



JOHN ADAMS 

Was born at Quincy, Massachusetts, October 30, 1735. Upon 
leaving college, with distinguished honor, he became a student of 
law, was admitted to the bar in 1758, and soon acquired a promi- 
nent position in his profession. He actively engaged in measures 
for the liberties of the people, and, as a consequence, became very 
obnoxious to Governors Barnard, Hutchinson, and Gage From 
his election to Congress in 1774, he continued in public life, and 
after serving as Vice-President during the administrations of 
Washington, became his immediate successor. Associated with 
Jeflferson on the committee appointed to draft the Declaration of 
Independence — sharing alike as they did in the honors of life and 
the sublimity of death — on the same memorable morning, July 4, 
1826, he passed through the dark portal hand in hand as it were 
with his illustrious compeer. 



BENJAMIN FKANKLIN 

Was born in Boston, Massachusetts, January 17, 1706. His fa- 
ther emigrated from England in 1682, and soon after commenced 
business as a soap-boiler and tallow-chandler, which remained his 
permanent occupation. At an early age the future statesman and 
philosopher was placed in the printing office of an elder brother, 
where he remained until he was seventeen years old, and acquired 
a thorough knowledge of the business; at which time he started 
upon his travels. Failing to obtain employment in New York, 
he proceeded on foot to Philadelphia, where he at once obtained 
a situation as a journeyman printer. Many incidents of the most 
interesting character attended his early life, and from which every 
youth of our country may derive pleasure and counsel. From the 
poor printer boy he advanced to the highest honors which his 
country could bestow. He died at Philadelphia, April 17, 1790, 
aged eighty-four years. 



13 



JOSIAH BAETLETT 

Was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, November, 1729- From 
the year 1765 he boldly denounced the abuses of the home govern- 
ment. He was a member of the first Continental Congress — one 
of the committee appointed to devise a plan for the Confederation 
of the States, and was the first, after Hancock, who signed the 
Declaration of Independence, on the second of August, 1776. In 
In 1779 he was appointed Chief Justice of the Court of Common 
Pleas of New Hampshire, and afterwards to the bench of the Su- 
preme Court. Upon the adoption of the State Constitution in 1787, 
he was elected a Senator in Congress, but declined the honor, and 
continued President of New Hampshire, to which he had been pre- 
viously chosen, and which position he occupied until 1793, when 
he was elected the first Governor of that State under the Federal 
Constitution. This office he resigned soon after, and retired to 
private life. He was a distinguished member of the medical pro- 
fession in early life, and from his practice accumulated a fortune. 
His death occurred May 19, 1795, aged sixty- six years. 



WILLIAM WHIPPLE 

Was born in Kittery, Maine in the year 1730. His youth and 
early manhood were occupied in a seafaring life until the age of 
twenty-nine, when he settled in Portsmouth as a merchant. Ever 
on the side of freedom, he soon became a firm opponent to the 
abuses of the home government, and during his eventful life dis- 
played that stern and unbending devotion to principle which has 
secured lasting veneration for his name. In the council and the 
field he displayed alike his wisdom and courage, and left to the 
youth of his country a character for study and emulation. As Bri- 
gadier General, Mr. Whipple distinguished himself at the battles 
of Stillwater and Saratoga, and from the humble cabin boy rose to 
distinguished eminence among his countrymen. In 1785, while 
in the discharge of official judicial duties, and suffering from a 
chronic affection of the heart, he was compelled to retire from the 
court over which he was then presiding, and died on the twenty- 
eighth day of November, 1785, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. 



MATTHEW THOKNTON 

Was born in Ireland in 1714, from whence his parents emigrated 
while in his infancy, and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. 
A*3 



14 

He received a liberal education, and at a comparatively early age 
took rank among the first physicians of his State. Possessing the 
full confidence and patronage of the home government, he never- 
theless voluntarily surrendered them by his opposition to the ex- 
isting abuses. His popularity with the people was unbounded, and 
on the abdication of Governor Wentworth he was elected his suc- 
cessor. Upon the organization of the Provincial Congress he was 
chosen Speaker of the House, and in the same year was appointed 
delegate to the Continental Congress. Dr. Thornton resigned 
public life in 1782, and retired to his farm, in Exeter, where he 
was blessed with many years, arul lived to see his country in the 
height of prosperity. Up to his eighty-second year, he was never 
ill a day, but at this time was attacked with whooping-cough, from 
which he never fully recovered. Dr. Thornton died in 1803, at 
the age of eighty-nine years. 



SAMUEL ADAMS 

(Next to Hancock the most obnoxious " rebel" of the Revolution) 
was born in Boston, Massachusetts, September 22, 1722. He de- 
scended from Pilgrim stock, and in early life enjoyed the advant- 
ages of wealth and influence. In 1763 he began boldly to assert 
the rights of the Colonies, and was among the first who advocated 
resistance to the oppressions of the Crown. In 1765 Mr. Adams 
was chosen a representative for Boston in the General Assembly, 
and during the remainder of his life-^nearly forty years — occu- 
pied positions of high honor and responsibility. He was among 
those who secretly matured the plan of proposing a General Con- 
gress; was one of the five delegates appointed to that body in 
1774, and continued a member of Congress until 1781. Soon af- 
ter retiring from Congress, he was chosen to the first position in 
his native State, and up to the close of his life he was annually re- 
elected. Mr. Adams died October 3, 1803, in the eighty-second 
year of his age. 



ROBERT TREAT PAINE. 

This distinguished patriot was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 
1731. He was one of the most successful students of Harvard 
College, which he entered at the age of fourteen years. Dnring 
his early life he visited England, and upon his return entered the 
ministry, which, however, he soon relinquished for the legal pro- 
fession, and in which he early became a distingiiished member. 
Prominent and uncompromising among those who denounced the 
abuses of the home government, he early buckled on the armor of 



15 

Revolution, and in 1768 boldly assumed its responsibilities. From 
being elected a member of the Provincial Congress of Massachu- 
setts in 1774, he continued uninterruptedly in the public service. 
As a legislator and jurist he was equally successful, and faithfully 
discharged the trust and confidence reposed in him by his country- 
men up to the close of his eventful life, which occurred in May, 
1814, at the ripe age of eighty-four years. Mr. Paine retired from 
the bench of the Supreme Court of his native State about ten years 
previous to his death. 



ELBRIDGE GERRY 

Was born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on the 17th July, 1744. 
The son of an opulent merchant, he enjoyed all the advantages 
of early culture, and was a distinguished graduate of Harvard 
College in 1762. Soon after this he entered upon mercantile life, 
and not only amassed a fortune, but by his unbending integrity 
of character secured the highest regard and confidence of his 
fellow citizens. Active in his opposition to the increasing injust- 
ice of Great Britain, he was elected a member of the first Provin- 
cial Congress of Massachusetts, and was a member of the same at 
the time of the battle of Bunker Hill, — the night preceding which 
he and General Warren slept in the same bed. In 1776 Mr. 
Gerry was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and 
continued in places of high trust and honor through life. His 
death occurred very unexpectedly, November 23, 1814, at which 
time he was discharging his duties as Vice-President of the 
United States. He was entombed in the Congressional Cemetery 
at Washinton, and a monument was erected to his memory by 
Congress. 



STEPHEN HOPKINS 

Was born at Scituate, Rhode Island, March 7, 1707. At the age 
of twenty-four years he left the plough, removed to Providence, 
and engaged in mercantile business. The year following he was 
elected a representative in the General Assembly, of which body 
he continued a member for nearly twenty years, and most of the 
time, without a competitor, as speaker. In 1751 he was chosen 
Chief Justice of the Colony. At an early day he boldly opposed 
the abuses of the home government. Few men of his time enjoyed 
a greater degree of public confidence, and the stern integrity ma- 
nifested in every discharge of duty needs no proof that the honors 
were most worthily bestowed. Mr. Hopkins died July 19, 1785, 
in the seventy-eighth year of his age. 



16 



WILLIAM ELLERY 

vitl.'! 

"Was born at Newport, Rhode Island, December 22, 1727. He 
enjoyed unusual advantages in early life, and al the age of twenty 
years received the highest honors of Harvard College. For nearly 
a quarter of a century he practised law with distinguished success, 
and from which he acquired a fortune. He was uncompromising 
in asserting and maintaining all the just rights of the Colonies, 
and from the commencement to the close of the Revolutionary 
struggle, discharged with wisdom and fidelity the responsible trusts 
delegated to him. As a reward for these services, it was his for- 
tune to witness a nation in the full enjoyment of blessings for which 
he had pledged " life and fortune." Mr. EUery may be styled the 
CLASSIC signer of the Declaration of Independence. On the morn- 
ing of his death he perused Tully's Offices, and died with Cicero 
in his hand — which event occurred, while sitting in his chair, 
February 15, 1820, in the seventy-third year of his age. 



ROGER SHERMAN 

Was born in Newtown, Massachusetts, April 19, 1721. On the 
death of his father, and when but nineteen years of age, the sup- 
port of a large family devolved upon him, all of which attendant 
duties were faithfully discharged. He served a regular apprent- 
iceship as shoemaker, in his native town ; after acquiring which 
he travelled on foot to New Milford, Connecticut, where he for a 
time worked industriously at his trade as a journeyman. Mr. Sher- 
man was one of the "remarkable" men of the Revolution. With 
scarcely an opportunity or advantage in early life for self-culture, 
he was called from his humble position, not only to represent his 
State, but to occupy a prominent position in Congress among the 
patriots of the Revolution. He was one of the committee appoint- 
ed to draft the Declaration of Independence, a member of the Con- 
vention which framed the Constitution of the United States; after- 
wards became a distinguished jurist, and at the time of his death 
July 23, 1793, was a member of the United States Senate. 



SAMUEL HUNTINGTON 

Was born at W^indham, Connecticut, July 2, 1732. His father 
was a moderate farmer of his day, and we find nothing to mention 
of especial note until 1764, at which time the son occupied an 
honorable position in the legal profession at Norwich, and from 



17 

which we may properly date his public life, afterwards so distin- 
guished — upon the bench, in Congress, and as Governor of Con- 
necticut. His devoted patriotism and unbending integrity secured 
the unqualified confidence of Congress, of which body he was cho- 
sen President in 1779, then the highest oflSce in the nation. In 
consequence of impaired health, he was obliged to resign this po- 
sition, much to the regret, and with the reluctant consent of Con- 
gress. Mr. Huntington succeeded John Jay as Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to Spain, and in negoti«^ting a treaty of amity and com- 
merce with that nation. In 1786 he was elected Governor of 
Connecticut, and continued in the same office until the time of his 
death, which event occurred on the fifth of January, 1796, in the 
sixty-fourth year of his age. 



WILLIAM WILLIAMS 

Was born at Lebanon, Connecticut, April 18, 1731. At the age 
of twenty years he was a distinguished graduate of Harvard Col- 
lege, and commenced the study of theology with his father, who, 
for more than half a century, was pastor of a Congregational So- 
ciety in Lebanon. He soon after abandoned theology, and entered 
upon mercantile life in his native town, from which he amassed a 
fortune. At the age of twenty-five Mr. Williams was chosen a 
member of the Connecticut Assembly, and was continued a mem- 
ber of that body for forty-five years! He was elected a delegate to 
the General Congress in 1775, and was an ardent supporter of the 
Declaration of Independence. During the darkest and most trying 
period of the great struggle, and when the currency of the country 
had become almost valueless, he at one time exchanged a large 
sum in specie for an equal amount in Continental money, with 
which to obtain supplies for the army. In 1804 Mr. Williams re- 
tired from public life, from the infirmities of age. He died 
August 2, 1811, aged eighty-one years. 



OLIVER WOLCOTT 

Was born at Windsor, Connecticut, November 26, 1726. He en- 
tered Yale College at the age of seventeen years, graduated with 
the usual honor, in 1747, and in the same year entered upon the 
study of medicine with a distinguished uncle. Soon after com- 
pleting his medical course, he abandoned the same for public life 
— which afterwards became so popular — in the field, upon the 
bench, and as a legislator. Few men enjoyed a greater degree of 
confidence from the people, and during the remainder of his life 
A3* 



18 

he uninterruptedly occupied the most honorable positions within 
their gift. First among the opponents of unjust British rule, he 
early advocated an independent government, and lived to witness 
his countrymen in the full enjoyment of that for which he had 
pledged his honor, his fortune, and his life. His death occurred 
December 1, 1797, and while serving as Governor of his native 
State. 



WILLIAM FLOYD 

Mi' ■ 

Was born at Setauket, Long Istand, December 17, 1734. ^ His fa- 
ther was one of the most wealthy farmers in the country, in which 
calling the son continued up to 1774, when he was chosen a dele- 
gate to the first Continentai Congress, and from which time for- 
ward he occupied a prominent position in public life. Few men 
suffered greater pecuniary less from the Revolution, and for nearly 
seven years his estate was in possession of English troops, and his 
family living in exile. General Floyd was several times re-elected 
to Congress, and was among the most influential of its members. 
In 3 778 he consented for the last time to a seat in Congress, and 
upon the expiration of the term for which he was then chosen, 
retired from active public life. His death occurred August 4, 1821, 
at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. 



PHILIP LIVINGSTON 

W^as born at Albany, N. Y., January 15, 1716. He entered Yale 
College at an early age, and graduated with distinguished honors 
in 1737. Immediately after leaving College, he located perma- 
nently in New York, and soon became one of its most successful 
commercial citizens. His public career mav be dated from 1754, 
when he was chosen alderman of the " East Ward,'' at which time 
Wall Street was the north bounds of the town, and its entire po- 
pulation only about eleven thousand ! Mr Livingston was a 
member of the first Continental Congress, one of tlie committee ap- 
pointed to prepare an address to the mother country, and among 
the most firm and influential patriots of the Revolution. For some 
time previous, and at the time of leaving home to take his seat in 
the Congress of 1778, he had been afilicted with serious disease, 
and he accordingly took a final leave of his family. His presen- 
timent soon became a reality, by his sudden death, on the twelfth 
of June following, in the sixty-second year of his age. 



n 



FEANCIS LEWIS 

Was born in Landaff, Wales, in the year 1713. After the com- 
pletion of his education at Westminster, he served an apprentice- 
ship with a London merchant, and, upon attaining his majority, 
emigrated to this country, and entered at once upon commercial 
life, which was very successful. His public life dates from a seat 
in the Continental Congress, from which time forward he was re- 
garded as an able legislator, and distinguished himself with equal 
credit in the field. During the possession of Long Island by the 
British, he not only suflfered great pecuniary loss from the de- 
struction of his property, but in cruelty exhibited towards his ex- 
cellent wife, which utterly ruined her health and resulted in her 
premature death, Mr. Lewis retired from public life in 1778, and 
enjoyed the esteem and gratitude of his countrymen up to his 
death, which occurred December 30, 1803, in the ninetieth year 
of his age. 



LEWIS MOKRIS 

Was born at Morrisania, New York, in the year 1726. He en- 
tered Yale College at the age of sixteen, and four years after gra- 
duated with the usual honors. He early espoused the rights of 
the Colonies — boldly denounced the abuses of the home govern- 
ment — and was foremost among the noble band who pledged for- 
tune and life in the great struggle. He voluntarily retired from 
Congress m 1777, but continued in the public service of his native 
State until the restoration of peace, when he retired to the quiet 
and happiness of agriculture, and which- he continued to enjoy up 
to the close of his life. He died in January, 1798, aged seventy- 
two years. Mr, Morris was succeeded in Congress by his brother, 
Governeur Morris, and upon the election of the latter, received a 
vote of thanks for his " long and faithful services rendered to the 
Colony of New York." 



EICHARD STOCKTON 

Was born at Princeton, New Jersey, October 1, 1730. He en- 
joyed all the advantages which wealth could secure, in his early 
life and education, and, at the age of eighteen years, upon leaving 
Princeton College with its usual honors, entered upon the study 
of law— to the practice of which he was admitted in 1754— and 



20i 

in which he rapidly rose to distinction and eminence. He en- 
joyed especial honors from the Kiner, and possessing ample for- 
tune, his patriotism and unfaltering devotion to the Revolutionary 
CMUse are the more to be venerated. While in Congress, Mr. 
Stockton was among its most influential members, and during the 
great struggle experienced rever-es and sufferings of the most try- 
ing character. He was for a time imprisoned in the common jail 
at Amboy and afterwards removed to the old Provost prison in 
the city of New York, then situated in the Park, where the pre- 
sent Hall of Records now stands, and during his confinement was 
subjected to the most cruel treatment. Mr. Stockton died February 
28, 1781, in the fifty-first year of his age. 



JOHN WITHERSPOON 

Was born at Yester, Scotland, February 5, 1722. He was a lineal 
descendant of the great reformer, John Knox. At the age of four- 
teen years he entered the University of Edinburgh. After pursuing 
a regular theological course of study — he graduated at the age of 
twenty-two years, a licensed preacher, and soon became a popular 
divine in his native country. After repeated solicitation.s, he de- 
termined to accept the presidency of New Jersey College, and on 
the eighteenth day of August, 1768, he entered upon the duties of 
that position. Deeply sympathising in the Revolutionary move- 
ment, he for a few years retired from ministerial duties, during 
which time he distinguished himself as a patriot and statesman. 
Dr. Witherspoon continued in political life until 1783, when here- 
turned to his sacred calling, and in which he continued up to the 
day of his death, notwithstanding that he was afflicted with total 
blindness during the last two years of his ministration. Dr. W^ith- 
erspoon died on the tenth" day of November, 1794, in the seventy- 
third year of his age. 



FRANCIS HOPKINSON 

Was born in Philadelphia, Penna,, in the year 1737. His parents 
were both members of the most aristocratic families in England ; 
his mother being a daughter of the Bishop of Worcester, and the 
family of his father equally distinguished. We pass over his early 
life, in which he enjoyed every advantage of cultivation, education, 
and refinement. He was in due course of time admitted as a legal 
practitioner, and soon acquired success in his profession. Like 
many other true patriots of his day, he voluntarily surrendered 



21 

the enjoyment of favors and position from the home government, 
and in its stead placed his all in jeopardy for the public good. 
He was elected to the General Congress in 1776, and for a num- 
ber of years following was among its most active and useful busi- 
ness members. Mr. Hopkinson may be ranked as the poet and wit 
of his time. In State as well as in national affairs he occupied po- 
sitions of the highest responsibility up to the day of his death, 
which event occurred suddenly in May, 1791, at the comparative 
early age of fifty -three years. 



JOHN HAET 

Was born in New Jersey. In common with all other biographers 
we are unable to state the year with accuracy. He was among the 
most thrifty and intelligent farmers of his State, but from the year 
1765 he boldly denounced the abuses of the home government, 
and from that time forward devoted his eiforts and possessions to 
the service of his country. Mr. Hart was a member of the first 
Continental Congresss, aad continued among tbe most unflinching 
and influential patriots of the Kevolution up to the day of his death, 
which occurred in 1780, and before the termination of the glorious 
struggle. No name is appended to the Declaration of Indepfnd- 
ence which more deserves our veneration. The death of Mr. Hart 
occurred at the gloomiest period of the War, but he never for a 
moment doubted the final issue — and his last prayer was for the 
Divine blessing and protection to his country. 



ABRAHAM CLARK 

Was born at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, February 15, 1726. He 
was the only child of a frugal farmer ; but, in consequence of his 
feeble constitution he left the plough in early life, and turned his 
attention to surveying and the study of law. His popularity with 
the people soon secured him a prominent position, and although 
enjoying the official patronage of the home government, he was 
among the first to denounce its abuses. Mr. Clark was elected in 
1776 to the Continental Congress, and continued in the public 
service up to the time of his sudden death, from sunstroke, which 
occurred in June, 1794. He cheerfully suffered much pecuniary 
loss from the Revolution: his family were driven from their home, 
and two of his sons experienced all the horrors of the Jersey pri- 
son-ship. 



22 



EGBERT MORRIS 

Was born in Lancashire, England, in January, 1733. He receiv- 
ed every advantage of wealth in his early culture and education, 
and, upon attaining his majority, entered upon mercantile life, at 
Philadelphia. The great question of American freedom at this 
time engrossed public attention, and for its accomplishment Mr. 
Morris consecrated his possessions. He was the financier of 
the Revolution — he enjoyed the especial confidence of Washing- 
ton ; his name was the first that was mentioned upon the forma- 
tion of his Cabinet. Upon declining the position, and in a private 
interview, General Hamilton was decided upon as Secretary of 
the Treasury. Mr. Morris was a prominent member of the Con- 
vention which framed the Constitution of the United States, and, 
on its adoption was chosen a Senator in Congress. At the end of 
the term he declined a re-election, and with it closed his distin- 
tinguished public life. 



BENJAMIN RUSH 

Was born in Berberry, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1745. He 
entered Princeton College in 1759, and when sixteen years old 
took his degree. After studying medicine in Philadelphia, he 
visited Europe, attending there the best hospitals and medical 
institutions, and returned home in, 1768, bearing with him a di- 
ploma conferred on him at Edinburgh, and the title '* Doctor of 
Medicine." He commenced practice in Philadelphia with the 
greatest success, and rapidly gained a reputation for medical skill. 
Dr. Rush was elected to Congress in 1776, and signed the Decla- 
ration. In 1793 the yellow fever began its fatal worhein Phila- 
dephia. Dr. Rush remained at his post, acting the part of the 
Good Samaritan, displaying a self-sacrificing devotion to the wel- 
fare of the community. " I will remain, if I remain alone," was 
his motto, and nobly did he act upon it. — He died on the nine- 
teenth of April, 1813, at the age of sixty -seven years. 



JOHN MORTON, 

Of Swedish descent, was born near Philadelphia in 1724. He re- 
ceived a good education, and at an early age showed a proficiency 
in study quite remarkable. In 1764 he entered public life, being 
chosen a Justice of the Peace, a member of the General Assem- 
bly of Pennsylvania, and a Speaker of the House. He was a 



23 

delegate in 1765 to the " Stamp Act Congress," and in 1766 High 
Sheriif of the county where he resided. In 1774-1776 he was a 
member of the General Congress, in which latter year he signed 
the Declaration. He exhibited profound talents in every office he 
sustained, and a wonderful activity in labor. Mr. Morton died in 
April, 1777, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, near the eve of our 
great national deliverance. 



GEORGE CLYMER 

Was born in Philadelphia in 1739. He entered early on a com- 
mercial life, and continued in the same until 1782. In 1775 he was 
appointed by Congress one of the continental treasurers, and in 
1776 elected to the General Congress, and signed the Declaration. 
In 1782 he united with Robert Morris in establishing a bank in 
Philadelphia, and became one of its directors. lie also, in com- 
pany with Edward Rutledge, visited the South to procure funds 
for government use, and on his return removed his family to 
Princeton, New Jersey. He was a member of the Pennsylvania 
Legislature, and facilitated the adoption of many wise measures, 
one of which, the penitentiary system, entitles him to lasting re- 
membrance. Mr. Clymer was a member of the Convention for 
framing a Federal Constitution, and was appointed Supervisor of 
the revenue for the State of Pennsylvania. In 1796 he aided in 
negotiating a treaty with the Indians in Georgia, which was his 
last public act. His death occurred on the twenty-fourth of Janu- 
ary, 1813, aged seventy-four years. 



JAMES SMITH 

Was born in Ireland in 1720, emigrating to this country when 
but a child. His early education was excellent, and his intellect 
mature in mere boyhood. He chose the law for a profession, and 
removed westward in Pennsylvania, settling in a wilderness, where 
he found no rivals in his profession and few dealers in his trade. 
He finally became a resident of York, and married a Miss Amos 
of Newcastle, Delaware. In the beginning of our national strug- 
gle, Mr. Smith cordially acted with the Patriots, and warmly es- 
poused their cause. He was chosen a delegate to the Pennsylva- 
nia Convention, which met in 1775, and acted on several import- 
ant committees. Afterwards he became a member of the General 
Congress and signed the great Declaration. In 1776 Mr. Smith 
declined a re-election to Congress, but finally obeyed the voice of 



24 

duty, and resumed his seat. The next year he vacated it, to re- 
sume his professional business and to serve a term in the Pennsyl- 
vania Legislature. He died on the eleventh day of July, 1806, at 
the patriarchal age of ninety years. 



GEORGE TAYLOE- 

Was born in Ireland in 1716 and came to this country when twenty 
years of age. After a short apprenticeship in an iron manufac- 
tory at Durham, Pennsylvania, he erected, out of funds brought 
him in a matrimonial alliance, large iron works at Lehigh, North- 
ampton County, Pa. Acquiring an immense popidarity by his 
business talents and gentlemanly qualities, he was elected to the 
Provincial General Assembly in 1764, where he served for five con- 
secutive years. In 1775 he was sent to the Provincial Congress, 
and was appointed on the committee to draw up instructions for 
the delegates to the General Congress which convened in May of 
the Fame year. These instructions prohibited the Delegates of 
Pennsylvania from favoring a separation from the mother country; 
but the current of public opinion was so strongly in favor of inde- 
pendence, that in June following the prohibition was removed, 
and the delegates left unlrammeled in their future action. After 
serving one year in Congress he retired from public life. His 
death occurred February 23, 1781. 



JAMES WILSON 

Was born in Scotland and emigrated to this country in 1766. 
His first business was that of a teacher in Philadelphia, and sub- 
sequently the legal profession became his choice. In 1775 he was 
chosen a member of the General Congress, and retained the ofiice 
until 1777. As Colonel of a regiment in his State in 1774, he ad- 
ed much to the strength of the militia, and showed considerable 
skill in military tactics. In 1778 he formed a treaty with the 
Indians of Pennsylvania. In 1780 he was appointed Advocate- 
General of the French nation in the United States, and was re-ap- 
pointed in 1781. In 1782 he was chosen again a member of 
Congress, and counsellor in the difficulty between Pennsylvania 
and Connecticut concerning the Wyoming domain. In 1786 he 
again took his place in Congress, and formed one of the Conven- 
tion for drafting a Federal Constitution, also of the Pennsylvania 
Convention of 1788. The President appointed Mr. Wilson in 
1789 one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. He died the twenty- 
eighth day of August, 1798, aged fifty-six years. 



25 



GEORGE ROSS 

AVas born in New Castle, Delaware, in 1730. After receiving a 
liberal education, he entered upon the practice of law, at the age 
of twenty-one, and established himself at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Ross was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly of 
1768 and re-elected for successive years. He was chosen to the 
General Congress in 1774-77 inclusive, and signed the Declara- 
tion on the second of August, 1776. He was prominent in his 
mediation with the Indian tribes, and universally esteemed as a 
public philanthropist. In 1799 Mr. Ross was appointed a Judge 
of the Court of Admiralty for Pennsylvania, in which office he 
continued to the close of his life. Mr. Ross was among the first 
who advocated resistance to the unjust acts of the home govern- 
ment, and although extremely moderate in expressina: his opinions, 
was at the same time among the most decided and uncompromis- 
ing in his demands for a redress of the grievances. He enjoyed 
the unmeasured respect and confidence of the people to the time 
of his death, which event occurred in July, 1780. 



C^SAR RODNEY 

Was born at Dover, Delaware, in 1730. His parents were of Eng- 
lish descent and of high position. On the death of his father, Mr. 
Rodney inherited the paternal estate and settled upon it. He 
was a member of the "Stamp Act Congress," of 1765, of the 
Provincial Assembly in 1769, and speaker of the latter until 1774. 
He took his seat in the General Congress of 1774, and acted on 
the committee for drawing up a Declaration of Rights. In 1776 
he was re-elected to Congress and appointed Brigadier-General of 
his Province. 1777 he was appointed a Judge of the Suprerne 
Court, which honor he declined. He was very active as a mili- 
tary officer, and successful in his encounters with the enemy, 
whom he defeated at various points. No Colony was more faith- 
ful and devoted to the Revolutionary cause than Delaware, and no 
member of the ever memorable Congress which adopted the De- 
claration was more zealous and unfaltering in its maintenance 
than Cfesar Rodney. He suffered many years from an incurable 
disease, which terminated in 1783. 



GEORGE READ 

Was born in Maryland in 1734 of Irish parentage. He enjoyed 
every advantage of wealth and influence, and after completing 



26 

his education, at the age of seventeen, began the s*udy of law 
with a barrister in Philadelphia, and was admitted to the bar in 
1753; settling in 1754 at New Castle, Delaware, where lie com- 
menced practice. At the age of twenty-nine Mr. Read was ap- 
pointed Attorney General for the " lower counties on the Dela- 
ware," of Kent, Sussex, and Newcastle. In 1774 he was elected 
to the Continental Congress, and in 1775 a member of the General 
Assembly of Delaware, to which office he was re-elected for seve- 
ral successive years. In 1774 he was a member of the General 
Congress, aa also in 1775 and 1776. He signed and earnestly 
maintained the Declaration of Independence and was President of 
the Delaware Convention for forming a State Constitution. Mr. 
Read was chosen Chief Justice of his native State in 1793 — which 
station he continued to occupy up to the autumn of 1798, when a 
sudden illness closed his life. 



THOMAS McKEAN 

Was born in New London, Pennsylvania, in 1734. He was asso- 
ciated with George Read at a school of the Rev. Dr. Allison's, 
and like him adopted the law as a profession. At twenty-one he 
was admitted to the bar, and in 1756 appointed a Deputy Attor- 
ney General of his Province. In 1757 was admitted to practise 
in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and was Clerk of the 
House of Assembly of Delaware. His more patriotic career in- 
cludes his action in the vStamp Act Congress of 1765, the General 
Congress of 1774-1783, and his signing the Declaration of 1776. 
He was elected Chief Justice of Pennsylvania for twenty succes- 
sive years, and Governor of the State for three terms or nine years. 
His last public act was to preside at a meeting of the citizens of 
Philadelphia at the time the city was threatened with an attack 
by the British. While in Congress, and upon the resignation of 
Oliver AVolcott, Mr. McKean was chosen President, and upon re- 
signing the position received the thanks of that body. He died 
June 24, 1817, aged eighty-four years. 



SAMUEL CHASE 

Was born in Somerset County, Maryland, April 17, 1741. At 
eighteen years of age he commenced the study of law at Anna- 
polis; at twenty he was admitted to practise before the Mayor's 
Court, and at twenty-two became a member of the bar. His le- 
gal career was a most successful one, and only surpassed by his 
labors in the cause of freedom. At the early age of twenty years 



27 

Mr. Chase was chosen a member of the Provincial Assembly, and 
in 1774 was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress, 
besides acting on the " Committee of Correspondence" in his 
Colony. In 1776 Mr. Chase was appointed one of a committee 
with Franklin and Carroll, to go on a mission to Canada, for the 
purpose of efifecting a concurrence of that Province with the action 
of other English Colonies. He continued in Congress until 1778, 
meanwhile signing the Declaration of Independence. In 1796 
Mr. Chase was appointed by Washington a Judge of the Supreme 
Court of the United States, which office he lield for fifteen years. 
This truly great and good man died June 19, 1811. 



THOMAS STONE 

Was born at the Pointoin Manor, Maryland in 1743. He had a 
good classical education, and, after the study of law for a few 
years, entered upon its practice in 1764 at Annapolis. His atten- 
tion was early directed to the American cause, and in obedience 
to the behests of duty he consented to serve in the General Con- 
gress of 1774 and 1775. He not only signed the Declaration, 
but aided in framing the Articles of Confederation, (adopted in 
1777,) and in advocating their justice. Mr. Stone was an influen- 
tial member of Congress, (and once its President,) until 1785, 
when he retired to his home, Port Tobacco, where he died, aged 
forty-five years, on the fifth of October, 1787. The people of 
Maryland at first manifested more reluctance in a severance from 
the mother country than either of the other Colonies, and, as a 
consequence, Mr. Stone and his colleagues were debarred from 
acting favorably on the measure by the instructions of the Co- 
lonial Convention. These obstacles, however, were removed in 
June, 1776, and the Declaration at once received his most cordial 
support. 



WILLIAM PACA 

Was born at Wye Hall, Maryland, in 1740. He enjoyed every 
advantage, and entered Philadelphia College, where he graduated 
with high honor. He was admitted to the bar in 1760, and in 
1761 was chosen a member of the Provincial Assembly. By his 
patriotic conduct in the Revolutionary period he gained a wide 
popularity with the people, who elected him to the Continental 
Congress of 1774-1778, advanced him to a Chief Justiceship of 
the United States Supreme Court in 1778, and to the Chief Judi- 



28 

ciary in Maryland. These duties he ably discharged, when in 
1782 he was appointed Governor of Maryland. After a pervice 
of one year in this capacity he retired to private life, and died in 
1799, aged sixty years. While in Congress, Mr. Paca was also 
prevented from voting for the Declaration of Independence until 
after the removal of Colonial Instructions in June, 1776, at which 
time he boldly advocated its adoption, and pledged Maryland for 
its maintenance. It is worthy of note that on the very day he 
gave his vote for approval he was again unanimously re-elected. 



CHARLES CARROLL 

Of Carrollton, one of the most prominent Revolutionary patriots, 
was of Irish descent, and born September 20, 1737. When eight 
years old he entered the Jesuit College of St. Omer, where he re- 
mained until 1751. Thence he was sent to Rheims, where he 
spent a year, and to the College of Louis le Grand, from which 
he graduated in 1754. He began the study of law at Bourges, and 
pursued the same branch of education at Paris and London. After 
eight years' residence in London he returned to Maryland, imme- 
diately espousing on his arrival the cause of the Colonies. Mr. 
Carroll was among the most influential members of Congress, and 
unhesitatingly consecrated his life and his immense fortune to the 
cause of Independence. It was his happiness to see his country 
rank among the tirst nations of the earth. — Mr. Carroll passed the 
last thirty years of his life in most happy retirement, and on the 
14th day of November, 1832, after surviving several years all the 
others of the immortal band who signed the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, he calmly passed from earth. 



GEORGE WYTHE 

Was born in Elizabeth County, Virginia, in 172G. After enjoy- 
ing good educational privileges, he entered upon the practice of 
law in 1757, attaining a high reputation for legal ability. Mr. 
Wythe was a member for some time of the House of Burgesses ir\ 
Virginia, and co-operated in that Assembly with Patrick Henry 
and others in their "noble" action in behalf of freedom. In 1775 
he was elected to the General Congress, in 1786 to the National 
Convention for framing a Constitution, and he subsequently served 
two terms in the United States Senate. Mr. Wythe was an ex- 
ample of strict integrity and undoubted patriotism, and after a 
long life of usefulness died .June 8, 1806, aged eighty-one years. 
The event was received by the whole nation with the most pro- 



29 

found sorrow, which was heightened by the consideration that it 
resulted from poison, at the hands of a near relative, and who was 
tried for the act, but not convicted of the crime. 



EICHAKD HENEY LEE 

Was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, January 20, 1732. 
His education was begun in England, at a schqpl in Wakefield, 
Yorkshire, and completed in the " Old Dominion." During his 
youth and early life he devoted himself to literary pursuits, and 
was distinguished for his scholarly attainments. He organized 
the first association in the Colonies opposed to the Crown, was one 
of the first " Committee of Correspondence," and a chief advocate 
of the cause of Independence. Mr. Lee was a delegate to the 
Congress of 1776, and first introduced a resolution for a separa- 
tion from the mother country. As a member of Congress he was 
most actively employed : being placed on the most important com- 
mittees and appointed to various offices. On his retirement from 
his seat in Congress, in 1784, the thanks of the House were pub- 
licly offered him, "for the faithful services he had rendered his 
country." He was appointed first United States Senator of Vir- 
ginia under the new Constitution, with which he closed his distin- 
guished public life. His death occurred June 19, 1794. 



BENJAMIN HAKKISON 

Was born in Berkley, Virginia, but the date of his birth is not 
certainly known. His ancestors were among the first colonial 
settlers emigrating to this country from England in 1640. Mr. 
Harrison took a partial course of study in William and Mary 
College, and began his political career as a member of the House 
of Burgesses in 1754, He was also elected speaker of the Assem- 
bly for many years. The royal Governor of the Province, per- 
ceiving in Mr. Harrison the qualities of a statesman, and the pro- 
mise of high attainments in life, oflered him at one time a seat in 
his executive council, which was peremptorily declined. Mr. Ha- 
rison was one of the delegates from Virginia to the Continental 
Congress of 1774, and signed the Declaration on the second of 
August, 1776. In 1782 he was elected Governor of Virginia, and 
after serving thus for two terms, he retired to private life. Being 
called again to the Speakership of the House of Burgesses, he re- 
sumed that oflace once more, and also the Governor's chair in 1791. 
He died during the same week, in April, 1791. 



m 

THOMAS'^NELSOX, Jr. 

Was born in Yorktown, Virfrinia, December 26, 1738. In his 
fifteenth year he was sent to England to be educated, and after a 
brief course of study with a private tutor entered Trinity College, 
Cambridge, having for his preceptor Dr. Porteus, afterwards 
Bishop of London. In 1761 he returned to America, and in 1774 
made his first appearance in public life as a member of the House 
of Burgesses of Virginia. The same year he served as a delegate 
to the first Genial Convention of his State and to the General 
Congress. In Congress he was a zealous advocate of American 
freedom, " by deeds, not by words" He encouraged the formation 
of corps of volunteer militia in his own State, and himself com- 
manded a regiment, while Patrick Henry and Richard Lee had 
similar military posts. Mr. Nelson succeeded Jefferson as Gover- 
nor of Virginia, and in the siege at Yorktown, headed a body of 
militia and bombarded even his own mansion, in which the British 
officers were then domiciled. On the fourth of January, 1789, he 
died, aged fifty years. 



FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE, 

A younger brother of Richard Henry Lee, was born in West- 
moreland County, Virginia, October 14, 1734. He was educated 
under the direction of a Scottish clergyman, the Rev. Dr. Craig, 
and attained a noble distinction as a scholar. Inspired with the 
same patriotic views as those of his brother, he was early called 
into public life, and in 1765 was elected to the Virginia House of 
Burgesses. He continued in the same until 1772, when he 
married and removed to Richmond. He represented that county 
in the House until 1775, when he was elected to the Continental 
Congress. In 1779 he resigned that office and returned to his 
home. His public career was not distinguished for anything 
great in speech or brilliant in action, but for its exemplary indus- 
try, sound judgment, and unwavering principle. The last days of 
Mr. Lee were not spent in the accumulation of wealth, but in the 
liberal bestowment of his fortune upon the poor, and every good 
enterprise. He died in April, 1797, aged sixty-three years. 



CARTER BRAXTON 

Was born at Newington, King and Queen's County, Virginia, 
September 10, 1736. He was educated at William and Mary Col- 
lege, and after marrying a Miss Robinson, of Middlesex County, 



31 

proceeded to England. In 1760 he returned to America, and 
married a second wife, the daughter of the royal Receiver General 
of Customs in Virginia. Despite his alliance with royalty by mar- 
riage, Mr. Braxton was one of the first to favor the cause of Ame- 
rican freedom. He was present in the House of Burgesses in 
1765, there heard the resolutions and speech of Patrick Henry 
respecting the Stamp Act, and boldly voted in their support. He 
was also a member of the Virginia Convention, and in 1769, one 
of the "eighty-nine" who recommended, on the dissolution of that 
Assembly, a Convention of the people at Williamsburgh. This 
Convention met and elected delegates to the Continental Congress, 
of whom Mr. Braxton was one. He also succeeded Peyton Ran- 
dolph in Congress in 1775, and signed the Declaration the next 
term. He died October 10, 1797. 



WILLIAM HOOPER 

Was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 17, 1742. He graduated at 
Harvard College in 1760, and afterwards studied law with James 
Otis. In 1767 he removed to North Carolina, and rose rapidly in 
his profession, standing at the head of the bar in that State. In 
the outset of his public career, he was branded as a royalist, but 
soon gained a reputation for disinterested patriotism, and was ad- 
vanced to many public offices. In 1773 he was elected to the 
Provincial Assembly of North Carolina, and in 1774 to the Con- 
tinental Congress. He was re-elected in 1775 and 1776 ; in the 
latter year signing the Declaration. Like all the signers, Mr. 
Hooper became exceedingly obnoxious to the British, who sought 
every opportunity to molest him and his family. After the war 
had ceased, Mr. Hooper resumed the practice of his profession, 
and withdrew from public life. In 1786 he was appointed by 
Congress a Judge of the Federal Court established for the adjudi- 
cation of the dispute between Massachusetts and New York. He 
died in October, 1790, aged forty-eight years. 



JOSEPH HEWES, 

Of Quaker parentage, was born in Kingston, N. J., in 1730. 
After studying at Princeton College, he entered upon commercial 
life in Philadelphia. At the age of thirty years he removed to 
Edenton, N. C, and established himself in business in which he 
amassed a large fortune. In 1763 he was elected to the Legisla- 
ture of North Carolina, and re-elected for successive terms. He 
was foremost in calling a Convention of the Colony for electing 



32 

delegates to a General Congress, was chosen a representative in 
that body, and, although attended with great pecuniary loss, 
was a prominent member on the committee for drawing up the 
Declaration of Rights. He was re-elected to Congress in 1775 and 
1776 — voting for and signing the Declaration of Independence. 
In 1779 he again took his seat in Congress, remaining however, 
but a few months. He died November 10, 1779, in the fiftieth 
year of his age. His death occurred at Washington, and his fu- 
neral was attended by a number of governmental dignitaries and 
personal frinds. 



JOHN PENN 

Was born in Carolina County, Virginia, May 17, 1741. His early 
education was of a meagre sort, and not until he was eighteen 
years of age did he enjoy the privilege of study. The celebrated 
Edmund Pendleton then offered him the free use of his library, 
and assisted him in his efforts to obtain general education. So in- 
dustrious was Penn in intellectual pursuits that he soon entered 
upon a course of legal studies, and at the age of twenty-one was 
admitted to the bar. He possessed a strong natural genius and 
oratorical power, which, with close attention to the study of law, 
secured for him a prominent position in his profession. In 1774 
he removed to North Carolina, and in 1775 was elected a dele- 
gate to the Continental Congress, where he remained three suc- 
cessive years, signed the Declaration, and was very influential as 
a member. He was intrusted with the defence of his State in 1780 
against the inroads of the British troops, performing the duty with 
great skill and credit. Mr. Penn retired from public life in 1787. 
His death occurred in September, 1788. 



EDWARD RUT LEDGE 

Was born in Charleston, S. C, in November, 1749. After receiv- 
ing a good education, he commenced the study of law, and at the 
age of twenty entered as a student at the Inner Temple, London, 
the scene of the forensic efforts of such legal giants as Mansfield, 
Chatham, and Camden. In 1772 he returned to Charleston, and 
was admitted to the bar the next year. At the age of twenty-five 
he was elected to the Continental Congress, and re-elected in 1775 
and 1776. He was associated with Richard Henry Lee and John 
Adams in preparing a prefatory preamble and recommendation 
of Congress to the Colonies to form permanent governments, 
and also afiixed his signature to the Declaration. In 1776 he 



38 

served on a commission with Franklin and Adams, to meet Lord 
Howe at Staten Island. Mr. Rutledge took up arms in 1779, and 
the year following headed a corps of artillery. In 1794 he was 
elected to the United States Senate, and in 1798 Governor of his 
native State. Mr. Rutledge died on the twenty-third of January, 
1809. 



THOMAS HEYWARD 

Was born in St. Luke's Parish, South Carolina, in 1746. He had 
every advantage in education, and on its completion entered upon 
a course of legal study. In 1766 he visited England, there finish- 
ing his studies, and on his return practised his profession. From 
the first he espoused the patriotic cause, and promoted its advance. 
In 1775 he was elected to the General Congress, and while a mem- 
ber signed the Declaration. In 1778 he left Congress and ac- 
cepted the appointment of Judge of the criminal and civil courts 
of South Carolina. While Judge he held a military commission, 
and was a chief actor in the skirmish at Beaufort in 1780. In the 
skirmish he received a wound, which left its mark upon him 
through life. After the capture of Charleston, he was taken pri- 
soner by Sir Henry Clinton, and sent to St. Augustine, Florida, 
where he remained a year. On his release and return home he re- 
sumed his seat on the bench, and continued to discharge the duties 
of that oflice until 1782. His death occurred in March, 1809, 
aged sixty-three years. 



THOMAS LYNCH, Jr. 

Was born in Prince George's Parish, South Carolina, August 5, 
1749. At the age of thirteen he was sent to England for an edu- 
cation, and pursued his studies there at Eaton School and Cam- 
bridge University. On leaving college, he began the study of law 
in the Inner Temple, London. In 1772 he returned to South Ca- 
rolina, and entered upon his profession. In 1773 he addressed an 
assembly of patriots convened at Charleston to consider the rela- 
tions existing between the Colonies and Britain. The people, 
won by his eloquence and impressed by his devoted patriotism, at 
once elected him to many civil oflices of trust, and in 1775 oflTered 
him a captain's commission in the First Provincial Regiment. The 
following year, succeeded his father in the General Congress, and 
signed the Declaration. Owing to ill health, he remained but a 
short time in Congress, and soon after sailed with his wife, in the 



hope of it3 recovery, for the West Indies. The vessel in which 
he sailed was supposed to have foundered at sea, and that all on 
board perished. 



AKTHUR MIDDLETON 

Was born at Middleton Place, South Carolina, in 1743. At 
twelve years of age he was sent to Hackney School in England ; 
at fourteen to a school in W^estminster, and at eighteen to the 
University of Cambridge, where he graduated in 1765. After a 
short stay in England and two years' travel on the continent, he 
returned home, but not to remain permanently. A year after he 
made a second tour of Europe, and returning, took his father's 
estate as a residence. But he was not long allowed the enjoyments 
of home and the pleasures which wealth confers, being soon called 
into public life and to scenes of strife. In 1775 he was appointed 
on the '' Committee of safety" in his State; in 1776 on a commit- 
tee to form a government for South Carolina, and the same year 
elected to the General Congress at Philadelphia. He continued 
in Congress until 1777, and was elected Governor of South Caro- 
lina the next year, which honor he declined. To the close of 
1787 he represented his county in the State Legislatuse, and died 
January 1, 1788, aged forty-five years. 



BUTTON GWINNETT 

Was born in England in 1732. He was engaged in business in 
Bristol till 1770, when he emigrated to South Carolina, and in 
1772 to Georgia. He took an active interest in the American 
cause from the first, and subsequently became one of its warmest 
advocates. In 1775 ho was elected to the Continental Congress, 
and re-elected the next year, when he signed the Declaration. In 
1777 was chosen a member of the Convention for forming a Fede- 
ral Constitution, the chief outlines of which instrument are attri- 
buted to Mr. Gwinnett, who afterwards succeeded Mr. Bullock 
as President of the Convention. After the adjournment of this 
body, Mr. Gwinnett aspired to the ofiice of Brigadier General, 
but was defeated. The result was an alienation between Colonel 
Mcintosh, his rival, and himself. Mr. Gwinnett finally challenged 
his rival to a single combat. The parties met, shots were ex- 
changed, both were wounded, and Mr. Gwinnett mortally. Thus 
died the subject of this sketch at the age of forty-five, in the vigor 
of his manhood and usefulness. 



85 



LYMAN HALL 



Was born in Connecticut in 1721. He entered Yale College at the 
age of sixteen, and after graduating with the usual honors, com- 
menced the study of medicine. Mr. Hall removed to South Ca- 
rolina in 1752 — immediately after completing his medical studies 
— but the same year look up his permanent residence in Georgia, 
and entered at once upon a successful practice. He was among 
the first in his Colony who boldly denounced the home govern- 
ment, and for a long time stood almost alone in arousing the peo- 
ple to Eevolutionary resistance. A large portion of the people 
manifested opposition at first to adopting these extreme measures. 
The people of the Parish of St. John resolved to act independent- 
ly, and in 1775 elected Dr. Hall a delegate to the General Con- 
gress. Although not an accredited delegate of a Colony, he took 
his seat, with the unanimous vote of Congress, and soon ranked 
among its prominent members. Pie continued most of thetime in 
Congress until 1783, when he was elected Governor of his State. 
His death occurred the year following. 



GEORGE WALTON 

Was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1740. His early edu- 
cation was very limited, and at fourteen years he was apprenticed 
to a carpenter. His master opposed him in his desire after know- 
ledge, and only by the light of pine-torches in the midnight hour 
could he find opportunity for study. But this was well improved, 
and after finishing his legal studies in 1763, was admitted to his 
profession, in the Colony of Georgia, and in which he was emi- 
nently successful. In 1776 he was elected to the General Congress. 
Here he secured the confidence of his confederates, and was placed 
on several important committees, and also signed the Declaration. 
In 1778 he returned to Georgia and became colonel of a regiment. 
He entered the battalion of General Howe at Savannah, at the 
time of its siege, and was taken prisoner, but scon after released. 
In 1779 he was chosen Governor of his State, and in 1780 elected 
to Congress. After a few months' stay he returned to Georgia, 
was again elected its Governor, and in 1798 Senator in Congress. 
His death occurred February 2, 1804. 



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36 



THE BELL OF INDEPENDENCE. 

This bell, which will be found suspended above the vestibule 
entry, beneath the steeple, was cast by Messrs Pass and Stowe in 
Philadelphia early in the year 1753, from the metal of a bell cast 
in London, and which arrived in this city by the good ship Ma- 
tilda, Captain Budden, in August, 1752. This original bell was 
cracked before it came formally into use; the first casting from its 
metal was not fully satisfactory, and a second attempt produced 
the bell now shown, which was placed in the State House Steeple 
in June 1753, and is the one which actually announced the De- 
claration of Independence nearly a quarter of a century after its 
erection. 

This bell was emphatically the "Town Bell" for more than half 
a century. It was cracked in tolling the announcement of the 
death of a celebrated citizen. Its successor was cast by J. Wil- 
bank, of Philadelphia, and placed in the new steeple then just 
finished, September 11, 1828. It was taken down to give place to 
the one presented along with the Centennial Clock, by Mr. Henry 
Seybert, A.D. 1876.— The Wilbank bell is now on the Town Hall 
at Germantown. 



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